The Connecticut chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement after Connecticut lawmakers substantially increased funding for community-based violence intervention programs in the proposed budget for the coming year.
“Local violence intervention programs are one of the most effective ways to reduce gun violence,” said Kristy Fuller, a volunteer leader with the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action. “This is a vital step toward ending gun violence and saving lives. We applaud the chairs of the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Cathy Osten and Rep. Toni Walker, and all of our lawmakers for proposing this funding and standing with the communities hit hardest by gun violence in their fight to end daily gun violence in Connecticut.”
Some of the investments include:
- An approximately $100k increase for Project Longevity
- $150k toward Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership Bridgeport
- $250k toward Upper Albany Collaborative
- $100k toward Connecticut Violence Intervention Program
- $100k toward Hartford Communities that Care
- $100k toward Safe Streets Bridgeport
- $100k toward Prudence Crandall Center
Every year hundreds of people are shot and killed or wounded in Connecticut. Gun violence costs Connecticut $1.4 billion each year, of which $60.4 million is paid by taxpayers. Read about gun violence in Connecticut here.
